Ten Songs by Chicago

The decade of the 60's had just ended when I was introduced to Chicago's unique blend of rock, jazz, classical, and big band sound. I was a musician myself, a clarinetist, and admired the obvious talent displayed in Chicago's horn section. I have selected ten songs which I feel demonstrate the artistry of what was Chicago in the band's early years. For nostalgic reasons, I limited my suggestions to songs that were recorded before 1978. These ten songs have not received the air play of Chicago's best known hits like "Make Me Smile", "Saturday In the Park", or "Beginnings".

The members of Chicago began their group in February 1967. The band continues to tour and record today although, of the seven original members, three are gone. Terry Kath, lead singer and guitarist, died in 1978 when the gun he was examining discharged its fatal load into his head. Peter Cetera, lead singer and bassist, left to pursue a solo career in 1985 and never came back. Chicago's original drummer, Danny Seraphine, was asked to leave the group in 1990. Although musicians were found to fill in the gaps, Chicago has not sounded quite the same as in those early years.

Go back with me in time and imagine a preteen girl listening to Chicago's music on an old record player in her bedroom, trying to keep the volume from rousing complaints from her parents.

1) The first tune I would suggest for the serious Chicago fan to listen to is the song "Introduction". "Introduction" was written by Terry Kath and appears on the first album from1969 (titled Chicago Transit Authority) and on the 1971 Carnegie Hall concert boxed set. "Introduction" is a great showcase for the individual talents of the group. Kath is the lead vocalist. This selection does a decent job of introducing the listener to the unique Chicago horn section sound as well as to the solo virtuosity of trombonist James Pankow and trumpeter Lee Loughnane.